If you operate in Cameroon’s food, pharmaceutical, or cosmetics sectors, there are high chances that you’ve heard of GMP and ISO 9001 certification. The two are frequently mentioned together, and at times, one is used in place of the other, which can be very puzzling. The primary concern that entrepreneurs have is: Can I pursue GMP certificate in Cameroon without ISO 9001 certification? The simplest answer is — yes, you can. But there’s more.
This guide explains everything there is to know about GMP certification in Cameroon, how it works (or doesn’t) with ISO 9001, and what it means for manufacturers, exporters, and emerging brands in North Africa.
A good manufacturing practice (GMP) is a worldwide standard for cleanliness, safety, and a well-regulated manufacturing process. It is a prerequisite for companies involved in:
In the context of Cameroon, leverage comes through GMP for market penetration and access — especially for companies intending to market to the EU, GCC, or the larger African market. Many large manufacturing purchasers, public healthcare institutions, and private retailers will not deal with your product in the absence of GMP compliance.
Here’s the situation: ISO 9001 does NOT need to be in place for GMP certification to be awarded. However, it does greatly help in streamlining the process.
Here’s how it works.
Not having ISO 9001 does not disqualify your company. With the right documentation, you can obtain GMP certification in Cameroon even without ISO 9001 — in this case, you’ll need to prove that your company’s internal processes satisfy comparable quality control requirements.
In brief: ISO 9001 is advantageous but not required.
No matter if you are herbal supplement manufacturer or an bottled juice company in Cameroon, all such businesses are required to comply with specific international guidelines with regards to GMP. The listed guidelines comprise:
1. Documented Procedures (SOPs) – For manufacturing, cleaning, packaging, labelling, and others.
2. Sanitation Controls – The cleaning processes and the chemicals involved.
3. Batch Traceability – Tracking raw materials and finished goods throughout the entire process.
4. Quality Control – The processes involving testing, inspection reporting, and handling complaints.
5. Storage and Transport – Product Storage: temperature, humidity, and shelf-life controls.
6. Staff Roles and Training – Defined roles and ongoing comprehensive training for production employees.
7. Self-Inspection or Internal Audits – Systems to assess ongoing compliance.
In the case you are following distinct procedures and processes but lack an ISO 9001 stamp, you may only need a few changes to become compliant with GMP. This is when the right certification partners come in handy.
Let’s compare the two paths:
With ISO 9001 | Without ISO 9001 |
Easier alignment with documentation standards | Must show equivalent internal quality controls |
Often preferred by global buyers | More cost-effective for SMEs focused on GMP only |
Positions you for future ISO certifications | Good if GMP is your immediate goal |
Helps with broader QMS implementation | May require more prep during audit stage |
Bottom line: ISO 9001 certificate in Cameroon is optional, but if you plan to scale, enter multiple markets, or pursue other standards like ISO 22000 or ISO 22716, it’s worth considering.
Let’s talk about real-world benefits. GMP isn’t just a technical box to tick — it’s a powerful growth tool. Here’s why:
Whether you’re exporting olive oil to the UAE or paracetamol to India, GMP certification for food or pharma exports from Cameroon is often non-negotiable.
Market expectations are shifting fast, and Cameroon is now competing with producers from Egypt, Morocco, Turkey, and even India. Here’s what international buyers are asking for:
And here’s what’s interesting: many buyers don’t ask for ISO 9001, but they do demand GMP. That’s why pursuing GMP certification without ISO 9001 is a practical and strategic move for many SMEs in Cameroon.
If your facility is already in decent shape, with structured SOPs and basic hygiene protocols, you could complete certification in as little as 8 to 12 weeks. Factors that affect the timeline:
If you’re starting from scratch, expect a bit more time — but nothing unmanageable. The key is clear guidance and realistic planning.
Cameroon regulatory authority GMP approval is often required when dealing with pharmaceutical products or when bidding on public contracts. In these cases, international GMP certification must align with local Ministry of Industry expectations.
Qcert360 works closely with businesses to ensure compliance with both international and frameworks of Cameroon, reducing friction at audit or registration stages.
There’s no flat rate — cost depends on your business type, size, and scope. A single-site food manufacturer might spend less than a multi-site pharma operation.
Typical cost factors:
Qcert360 offers flexible packages and can guide you through what’s necessary (and what’s not). The goal is to get certified efficiently, without adding overhead you don’t need.
If you’re looking for a partner who gets the nuances of North African compliance, Qcert360 is built for this.
Here’s how we help:
Whether you’re getting certified for the first time or upgrading systems for exports, we work with you to build credibility — not just pass an audit.
Qcert360 is a specialized solutions and services provider, focusing on management consulting, training programs, assessments, certifications, and managed services.
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